1 The words of Nehemiah a son of Hacaliah:
News from Jerusalem
During the month of Chislev b in the twentieth year, c when I was in the fortress city of Susa, d 2 Hanani, e one of my brothers, arrived with men from Judah, and I questioned them about Jerusalem and the Jewish remnant f that had survived the exile. g 3 They said to me, “The remnant in the province, h who survived the exile, are in great trouble and disgrace. Jerusalem’s wall has been broken down, and its gates have been burned.” i
Nehemiah’s Prayer
4 When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for a number of days, fasting and praying j before the God of the heavens. k 5 I said, l
LORD, the God of the heavens, the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps his gracious covenant with those who love him m and keep his commands, n 6 let your eyes be open and your ears be attentive o to hear your servant’s prayer that I now pray to you day and night p for your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins A we have committed against you. Both I and my father’s family have sinned. q 7 We have acted corruptly toward you and have not kept the commands, statutes, and ordinances you gave your servant Moses. r 8 Please remember what you commanded your servant Moses: “If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples. s 9 But if you return to me and carefully observe my commands, even though your exiles were banished to the farthest horizon, B I will gather them from there and bring them to the place where I chose to have my name dwell.” t 10 They are your servants and your people. You redeemed them by your great power and strong hand. u 11 Please, Lord, let your ear be attentive v to the prayer of your servant and to that of your servants who delight to revere your name. Give your servant success today, w and grant him compassion in the presence of this man. C,x
At the time, I was the king’s cupbearer. y